Business Gateway Dragons’ Den 2011
 
An Aviemore company is celebrating winning a cash prize of £5,000 after Business Gateway Highlands and Moray named them their Young Business of the Year.
 
Papa Rock battled it out against two other finalists to win the coveted award which they will now invest in their enterprise.
 
Also winning £5,000 to put towards developing their company were Saladworx from Sutherland, who were crowned Business of the Year.
 
The event, held on Tuesday, 5th April at Inverness Town House was hosted by STV’s Highlands and Islands correspondent Nicola McAlley.
 
There were an encouraging number of applicants, and of these, six finalists were selected for their impressive growth or ambitious growth plans. They showcased their company by delivering a Dragon’s Den style pitch to a panel of judges which consisted of Brian Urquhart, Divisional Director at the Orion Group, Stewart Nicol, Chief Executive of the Inverness Chamber of Commerce and David Owen, Company Manager of Highland Opportunity Ltd.
 
The judges applauded the achievements of Papa Rock – a family-run restaurant that offers traditional home cooking with an American and Mexican twist. Inspired by the Hard Rock Café, the restaurant is decked out with rock and motorcycle memorabilia ensuring there is no other eatery in the area like it.
 
The judges were also impressed by the other two companies in the category; Farr based Experience 4x4 and RCDAC Group from Elgin.
 
The Business of the Year category saw Saladworx, a grower and supplier of salad leaves, edible flowers and herbs, compete against Moray First Marine Ltd based in Elgin and Highlands Unbridled from Brora.